I was a GIU participant last year and was so excited when a week opened up and I was able to snag a spot for this year. I love these rubber stamps and the company has turned me into a devoted stamper. Be sure to comment as I will randomly pick two people from the comments to win a Unity grab bag of 25 stamps graciously donated by Unity Stamp Company. I will pick a separate winner and send them three Distress Oxide inks from me since I ended up with duplicate colors and would like to pay them forward.
I decided to try the SMAK membership for a little while to stretch my creative style. I am no longer a member and still had some kits that I had never inked up. I knew this week would be a great way to use at least one of those kits. The February 2017 SMAK is called Be You for You and can be found here. My goal was to use most of the stamps in the kit.
This first card was done utilizing shadow stamping with alcohol inks. I saw this technique by Jennifer McGuire (found here) I cut out a top panel using a die from Gina Marie to mount over the stamped panel using foam tape. The sentiment was from the February 2017 KOM.
For this card I first embossed the sentiment using Versamark and White Pearl embossing powder. I then used a couple of colors of Distress ink and used a blending tool to go over the panel building up the colors. I wiped the ink of the embossing which resists the ink. I then took the same two colors in Distress Oxide inks and stamped the floral pattern various placed on the panel. Since the Oxide ink is more opaque, it shows up nicely on top of the regular Distress ink. I did have to wipe it off the sentiment, but the embossing resisted it too. I blended the Distress Oxide on the base before mounting the top panel with foam tape.
These kinds of backgrounds are what I struggle to use. I covered the background with Distress Inks and splattered with water. I then used Distress Oxide ink to use the pattern for the background. I embossed another “splat” pattern using Versafine with clear embossing powder. It is hard to see in the pictures but here is a closeup. I also embossed the sentiment before distressing it. As I used the blending tool, I wrinkled the paper. I decided to just go with it since it was to be a messy card anyway.
This card was done by stamping on kraft paper using Deco Paste, letting that dry and then foiling it using Deco Foil and my Minc machine. It is not as neat an image as when using a printer, but since this is a SMAK kit, that messier look worked. The background paper is from a DCWV called Kraft & Gold.
.
These are just simple stamping and then masking off a section with painter’s tape, coloring with watercolors and taking the tape. I cut the panel with an oval die and added a sheer ribbon on one and braided ribbon on the other. One of my goals is to use the mass of ribbon I have collected.
My final card means I used all of the images and all but one of the sentiments from the kit. This was a simple stamping on a slightly patterned paper, tearing and distressing the edges. Taking a couple of patterned papers from my stash and tearing and distressing those too. I wrapped some twine around the image to give some more interst and added some clock die cuts from my stash.
I hope to see you tomorrow when I use stamps from one of my KOM kits. Don’t forget to comment to be in the drawing. – Denise
Wow! You really started your GIU week of spectacularly! Such a great variety of cards and techniques! I just love that you used all the stamps in one kit!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
How does one pick out a favorite??? They are wonderful!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Denise, love your use of the SMAK kits! Beautiful cards perfectly matching the artsy feel of these stamps! Love all the different techniques!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Oh my goodness Denise. You have been busy. What a wonderful collection of cards using a variety of techniques. My favorite is the 2nd card where you used the same colors of distress inks and distress oxides.
sue
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
These are beautiful cards. I do sort of the same thing, if I get a grab bag I challenge myself to try and use every stamp and make a card, just a fun thing I do to myself for a challenge and to get crafting moving. I have a wonderful friend she is not in good health I challenge myself every once in a while when she comes to mind and I can not get any cards done till I make a special one for her
LikeLike
Thank you, it is good to make special ones for friends.
LikeLike
I love your card style. Using all the stamps from one kit is an awesome challenge. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Love your use of soft color for the cards you make.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Wow, what a wonderful collection of cards! My favorite is the oval-framed one — it’s just so delicate. Thank you for reminding me of some techniques that I haven’t used in a long time – like tearing paper edges and inking over embossing. Great job!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Awesome use of your SMAK kit! Lots of great cards. I love your card with the shadow stamping.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Pretty cards, I have been wanting to try deco paste but was afraid. The look is fantastic.
LikeLike
Thank you. I have only used it a couple of times, but it is fun to play with.
LikeLike
Absolutely love the backgrounds you created. Great set of cards, Denise!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Very nice! I think i like the 3rd one best. It doesn’t look at all like you struggle with background stamps. It is great!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Congratulations on becoming a Unity Girl! I love Unity Stamps. I was so very blessed to meet Angela, Whitney and Nick at JunkieFest.Your cards and designs are wonderful.
LikeLike
Thank you. Lucky you to meet them. They have such a wonderful company.
LikeLike
Wow! What a fabulous start to your week! I’m excited to see the rest of your creations this week. All of your cards are gorgeous and inspiring!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Great variety of cards! I am new to the distress oxides, just have a couple of them so far but I am hoping to play around with them while on vacation in about a week!
LikeLike
They are fun to play with. Have fun on vacation.
LikeLike
Wow!!! So many great ideas!!!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
😮 what a fantastic start to a great week! Love them all!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
A beautiful arrangement of cards! I think my favorite is the oval framed card, but the cards with blues and greens are very eye-catching. 😊 I am just starting with distress oxides, but the blend beautifully! Your Monday start up is amazing! Looking forward to the rest of the week….
–Phaline Mays
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
What a treasure trove of cards! I am so impressed with your talents!
LikeLike
Thank you Kim.
LikeLike
Wonderful variety of cards and techniques.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I love your cards. The backgrounds are beautiful. I am looking forward to your week of ideas and inspirations!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I love your coloring, the backgrounds, those stamps, and designs. Just amazing!!!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Wow – gorgeous cards! Love the variety!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Great cards! Creative use of all the elements in the kit. Although I tear solid colored papers, it has never occurred to me to tear patterned paper…
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Beautiful cards Denise!!!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Lots of cool techniques!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
How inspiring! I have never used oxide inks…and can kick myself all over for not acquiring a bunch when my local craft store had a 40% off stamp ink sale! I’ve recently started back up with card making after taking a few years break enjoying my teenagers before they grew up! Just took our oldest to first year of college, baby bro will leave next year….spending time in my craft studio, fighting back empty nest tears recently…reminded me of how great this creative outlet really is…now I need to catch up to the times! After 20 years or more of creating…I can never have too much! ——- your cards are beautiful.
— Trudi
LikeLike
Thank you. Paper crafting did help with my empty nest syndrome. Keep creating.
LikeLike
Oh, my, goodness! Thank you for so much inspiration! Your cards are wonderful!!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Beautiful cards.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Lots of wonderful inspiration! And great job using a whole kit. I love
the first card’s design with the pretty oval die you used as well as the
flowers from the KOM. (I have so much ribbon it scares me. lol).
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
So glad that you are the GUI woman this week. I have never seen these techniques before, and am sure that I’m in for a treat this week!! I love the first one, especially. VERY cool!!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Wow…these are all fantastic, I just love all the techniques you used, can’t wait to see the rest of this week’s beauties!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Oh my…you are so talented , creative and inspirational showing so many beautiful,fabulous cards in one day that I’m still taking my breath. Thanks. Many blessings during this week!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
all fabulous cards.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
This post has a TON of great ideas. I took notes! I learned card making when things were clean and simple, but soon embraced mixed media. I LOVE your last example.
LikeLike
Thank you. I still don’t put a ton of elements on my cards, but I am getting better.
LikeLike
You are doing a great job – I truly have learned something every day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing the versatility of of one kit. I love the challenge and the results. You’ve inspired me!
LikeLike
Thank you. I am very inspired by others.
LikeLike
These cards are awesome! I love that you did several cards from one kit. Glad you’re here to share this week.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
this is just wonderful, full of inspirations for me to try. I too am addicted to Unity. They are hands down the greatest material to inspire one’s creativity. Wonderful blog dear.
LikeLike
Thank you. They are surely addictive.
LikeLike
I like how you use different elements when making your cards!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Lovely cards. I have one Unity stamp in my beginning accumulation, and I love how it stamps. I have used it several times already. Hope to acquire more as my skills (hopefully)improve.
LikeLike
Thank you. I have way too many Unity stamps because they are so addicting.
LikeLike
Love your use of a whole SMAK kit! What a wonderful varied selection of styles and techniques! Love the cards…great job!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Love these cards….thank you for the inspiration and a chance to win some goodies. Have a blessed day.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Oh my gosh, these are stunning. I just love the variety of ideas .. I don’t have any of the SMAK kits, but I just might have to get a few after seeing all these cards you made from just one kit. Thank you for sharing your creativity. 😍
LikeLike
Thank you. I think the kits are a great value.
LikeLike
I love the SMAK kits. This is a wonderful assortment of cards. I love the twine wrapped text. Hugz
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
I like how you challenged yourself to use a whole kit. All of your cards are gorgeous. I use my distress inks a lot, too. Can’t wait to see what you do tomorrow.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Denise, these are great. Thank you for the level of detail you sharedon the creation.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
You did a great job, very inspiring. Have a great week.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Love, love, love the softness in your techniques. Beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Wow, you’ve done a whole week’s worth in one post! Beautiful, beautiful cards – well done you! Jo x
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Wow! That is an amazing variety of cards! I love your use of distress inks, they are so versatile
LikeLike
Thank you. I love them too.
LikeLike